Mt Baldy
640m vertical, 800 acres, 26 runs. Southern California's highest ski area, 72km from Los Angeles. Since 1952.
Season 2026 - 2027
Opens
13 Dec 2026
Closes
8 Mar 2027
Days open
85
Annual snow
110in
The Overview
Michael Fulton
Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.
Mt Baldy operates across 800 acres of terrain on Mount San Antonio in the San Gabriel Mountains, 72 kilometres from Los Angeles. The resort spans 1,981 to 2,621 metres elevation, delivering 640 metres of vertical drop across 26 runs. Operating since 1952, it receives an average 2.79 metres of annual snowfall and ranks as Southern California's highest ski area. The terrain splits into 20 per cent beginner, 40 per cent intermediate, and 40 per cent advanced and expert runs, with Thunder Mountain offering the steepest pitches in the region.
Advanced terrain dominates the mountain, particularly on north-facing Thunder Mountain where steep groomers, bump runs and natural chutes define the character. Chair 1 accesses the summit zone where legitimate black diamond terrain unfolds across exposed ridgelines and bowls. The longest run extends 4 kilometres from summit to base. Intermediate terrain spreads across Chairs 2 and 4, whilst Chair 3 serves the learning zone near the base area.
The mountain maintains an authentic no-frills atmosphere focused on natural terrain rather than resort amenities. Top of the Notch lodge at 2,621 metres serves as the only on-mountain facility. Weekend crowds from Los Angeles can fill the car park by mid-morning, but weekday operations remain quiet. The exposed summit provides clear-day views stretching to the Pacific Ocean and across the Los Angeles Basin.
Mt Baldy operates independently without multi-resort pass affiliations. Adult day tickets range from 65 to 75 US dollars, with season passes available from 349 dollars. The 2025-26 season runs 13 December through 8 March. The resort suits experienced intermediates and advanced skiers seeking challenging natural terrain within an hour of major population centres, though limited snowmaking and vintage infrastructure mean conditions vary significantly with natural snowfall.
2,100ft
Vertical
26
Runs
800 acres
Skiable
110in
Annual snow
The Terrain
26 runs across 800 acres skiable
Mt Baldy spreads across roughly 800 acres (324 hectares) on the southern flank of Mount San Antonio, with 26 runs falling from about 8,600 ft (2,621 m) to a base near 6,500 ft (1,981 m). That gives a vertical of 2,100 ft (640 m), among the largest in Southern California. The split is unusually steep for the region: 20% beginner, 40% intermediate, 20% advanced and 20% expert. Four double chairlifts do all the hauling, so the mountain feels old-school, with terrain left natural and few concessions to the crowds that arrive on weekends.
Thunder Mountain is the part to know, a north-facing zone where steep groomers, bumps and natural chutes give Southern California its most serious inbounds skiing. The summit zone around the Notch adds exposed ridgelines and open pitches that hold their snow longer than the sunnier slopes. Beginners and cautious intermediates have their own gentler lifts near the base. Conditions depend heavily on natural snowfall, since snowmaking is limited. Mt Baldy suits confident intermediates and advanced skiers who want real vertical and a no-frills day within reach of Los Angeles.
Terrain split
26
runs
26 runs across 4 grades
Beginner5 runs · 20%
Intermediate10 runs · 40%
Advanced5 runs · 20%
Expert5 runs · 20%
Time it right
When to visit Mt Baldy
The 2025-26 season opens 13 December 2025 and closes 8 March 2026, spanning 86 operating days. Season length depends entirely on natural snowfall, with some years extending into April when conditions permit. Operations remain weather-dependent without significant snowmaking beyond a small tubing area. Lift access continues year-round for hikers and mountain bikers outside winter months.
Mt Baldy averages 2.79 metres of annual snowfall, equivalent to 110 inches. The base sits at 1,981 metres whilst the summit reaches 2,621 metres, providing natural snow advantages over lower-elevation Southern California areas. North-facing Thunder Mountain slopes hold snow longer than south-facing terrain. Base depths fluctuate dramatically between storm cycles, with the resort occasionally closing mid-season during extended dry periods.
January and February deliver peak snowfall and coldest temperatures for optimal powder conditions. March brings spring corn snow and warmer weather, allowing morning ski sessions followed by afternoon beach visits. December and early-season conditions prove unreliable. Weekday visits avoid Los Angeles weekend crowds that pack the limited car parking by 9am during powder cycles.
The resort hosts no major annual events beyond general operations. Night skiing does not operate. Summer operations include scenic chairlift rides, hiking access, mountain biking, tent cabin camping and live music events. The resort operates as a year-round mountain recreation area rather than a winter-only ski facility.
Season 2026 - 2027
13 Dec 2026
Opens
8 Mar 2027
Closes
85
Days open
110 in
Annual snow
Getting there
Getting to Mt Baldy, and where to stay
Mt Baldy sits in San Antonio Canyon on Mount San Antonio's southern slopes in the San Gabriel Mountains. The unincorporated community of Mount Baldy Village lies at 1,280 metres elevation, 13 kilometres below the resort. The county line between San Bernardino County and Los Angeles County runs through both the village and resort. Angeles National Forest surrounds the entire area, with no development beyond the immediate resort footprint.
Upland serves as the primary foothill town 19 kilometres south of the village. Ontario sits 19 kilometres south at the base of the range. Claremont lies 20 kilometres southwest. Downtown Los Angeles sits 72 kilometres west via Interstate 210 and Mount Baldy Road. The resort ranks as the closest ski area to the Los Angeles metropolitan basin.
Mount Baldy Road provides the sole vehicular access from Interstate 210 at the Baseline Road exit. The narrow, winding 19-kilometre mountain road climbs through San Antonio Canyon from Upland. Drive time from the I-210 freeway to the resort base requires 35 to 45 minutes depending on conditions. Winter chains or four-wheel-drive become mandatory during active storms. No public transport serves the resort.
Ontario International Airport (ONT) sits 26 kilometres south, a 30-minute drive in normal conditions. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) lies 97 kilometres west, roughly 90 minutes by car. Burbank Airport sits 84 kilometres northwest. No passenger rail serves the San Gabriel Mountains. Rental cars from Ontario or Los Angeles airports provide the only practical access for visitors without personal vehicles.
Where to stay
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Hotels and lodges near Mt Baldy, powered by Stay22.
Good to know
Frequently asked
When is Mt Baldy's ski season?
Mt Baldy's 2026 - 2027 season typically runs from December 13 through March 8. That window is roughly 85 calendar days, though daily operations depend on snow cover, weather, and lift maintenance.
Resorts in California, Usa often announce firm dates closer to winter; check the live snow report before you travel if you are planning around opening weekend or spring closure.
How much skiable terrain does Mt Baldy have?
Mt Baldy lists about 800 acres skiable of marked terrain spread across 26 named runs (324 hectares alongside 800 acres skiable). That footprint is what most riders experience on a lift-served day. Side-country or hike-to terrain may sit outside these published numbers.
Use the trail map to see how the mountain is laid out and where the longest fall-line runs connect back to base.
What is the terrain like at Mt Baldy?
Trail grading at Mt Baldy breaks down roughly as 20% beginner, 40% intermediate, 20% advanced, 20% expert. The advanced and expert share is substantial, so confident skiers and riders will find plenty of steeper fall-line options once they leave the nursery slopes.
Percentages describe the resort's published piste mix, not vertical feet. A mountain with modest "expert" stats can still feel demanding if the steep terrain is long or exposed. Read the trail map alongside these numbers when planning your route.
How many lifts does Mt Baldy have?
Mt Baldy operates 4 lifts. The fleet includes 4 double chairs.
Lift mix affects how quickly you can lap your favourite zones. Gondolas and trams move big crowds to mid-mountain, while shorter chairs and surface lifts often serve learning areas or local pods. Check the live snow report on ski days for real-time open/closed status.
What is the elevation and vertical drop at Mt Baldy?
Base elevation at Mt Baldy is about 6,499 ft (1,981 m), with the summit around 8,599 ft (2,621 m), giving roughly 2,100 ft (640 m) of vertical from base to top.
Higher start heights usually mean colder, drier snow holding longer into spring, but also thinner air and faster weather changes. Pack layers if you are riding from village level to summit lifts in one day.
How much snow does Mt Baldy get each season?
Mt Baldy averages about 110 inches (279 cm) of natural snowfall per season. That is a long-term climate figure. Any single winter can run well above or below it depending on storm track and temperature.
For trip planning, pair this baseline with the live snow report and webcams: fresh cycles show up in overnight totals and summit cameras long before season averages tell you much about today's surface.
Where can I buy Mt Baldy lift tickets and how much do they cost?
Published single-day adult pricing on SnowStash currently spans US$45 to US$75, depending on date band and whether you are buying peak or regular windows. Multi-day products (season passes) usually lower the per-day cost if you are staying several days. Tickets can be bought online through the resort's official checkout (linked from our lift tickets page) or at on-mountain ticket windows, subject to availability.
Buying ahead of peak holidays and weekends generally saves money and guarantees access on sold-out days. Before you commit, scan the snow report and webcams so you are paying for conditions that match your expectations.
How can I check snow and mountain conditions at Mt Baldy before I go?
SnowStash pulls together 1 live mountain webcam, a downloadable piste map, and the daily snow report for Mt Baldy so you can plan from home. Webcams refresh on a short interval and are the fastest way to judge visibility, wind exposure, and whether storm snow is still falling.
The snow report adds structured totals, base depth where available, and lift/trail status when the resort publishes it. Use both together: cameras show what it looks like right now, and the report summarises numbers your group can compare day to day.
Does Mt Baldy have a trail map?
Yes. The downloadable PDF/image map is better for offline planning, marking meeting points, and understanding the full mountain layout at a glance.
Both versions are on the trail map page for Mt Baldy. If you are navigating with kids or meeting friends across separate lifts, screenshot or print the static map and keep the live map open on your phone for operational updates.
Where is Mt Baldy located?
Mt Baldy sits in California, Usa. That regional context matters for travel planning: airport transfers, snow tyres, and typical storm patterns all follow geography as much as resort marketing.
Browse nearby accommodation from the resort page if you are comparing village-base vs valley-base stays; where you sleep changes your first lift of the day more than most trail stats do.
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